Hello, I'm Candice
I hold a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Victoria and have been in private practice as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) since 2007.
My undergraduate degree is in Child and Youth Care, also from the University of Victoria. With two decades of experience as a clinical counsellor providing individual, group therapy, and psychoeducation, I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients on various challenges​ that life presents.
My path into this field wasn’t linear, but it was deeply rooted in a love for active, healthy living—especially through outdoor, nature-based activities. I initially pursued a degree in Child and Youth Care with the goal of working in nature and adventure therapy settings, guided by a strong belief in the wisdom of nature, its healing potential, and the positive impact of physical activity and recreation on overall wellbeing. These early experiences shaped my belief in holistic wellness—the understanding that mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health are deeply interconnected. Toward the end of my degree, while also working in the field, I decided to pursue my Master’s in Counselling Psychology. ​
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​After graduating, I began providing clinical counselling to youth, adults, and families in outpatient and residential treatment settings who were affected by eating disorders, substance use, and other mental health challenges such as anxiety disorders and depression. Later, I took on a position as the lead counsellor and clinical supervisor at a treatment centre on Vancouver Island, BC, where I also developed curriculum and programming that integrated nature-based and movement therapies into the programme model.
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In addition to my supervisory role, I facilitated community-based relapse prevention groups to support individuals transitioning back into daily life after inpatient addiction treatment. This experience strengthened my understanding of the importance of a continuum of care and highlighted the ongoing support needed throughout the recovery journey.
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Following these roles, I transitioned into private practice in 2007, which offered the flexibility and autonomy to align my work more closely with my personal and professional values, while deepening my practice, knowledge, and skills across multiple areas. This shift also opened the door to meaningful contract and consulting roles — including providing virtual treatment for anxiety disorders with Anxiety Canada. In addition, I’ve held faculty positions teaching mental health and addiction courses at both the college and university levels and supervised practicum students in these programs.
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Over the years, my practice has naturally evolved to focus primarily on supporting women’s mental health and wellbeing across the lifespan — including adolescent girls navigating early life transitions. This focus has deepened my understanding of the unique experiences women face across different life stages and has reinforced my commitment to providing responsive, values-aligned care that honours each person’s individual journey.
I’m excited about how far neuroscience has influenced my counselling practice, offering valuable insights into how the brain functions in relation to emotions, behaviours, and mental health. Neuroscience has also illuminated how trauma and emotional experiences are stored in the body, as well as how the nervous system regulates emotional states. With this knowledge, therapies can focus not only on thoughts and feelings but also on somatic experiences, helping clients process stress and trauma through body awareness, movement, and sensory experiences.
With a focus on women’s mental health and wellbeing, these advancements have provided a more nuanced understanding of the brain-body connection, the impact of hormones, and how individuals can be supported in ways that align with how their brains process and respond to experiences.
These insights have led to more evidence-based, personalized approaches, fostering emotional resilience and enhancing long-term well-being.
Outside of Counselling
Self-care is at the heart of how I live and work. By prioritizing my own well-being, I’m able to show up authentically for my family, friends, and clients.
Whether I’m surfing, walking the shore with my rescued dogs, or simply taking in the horizon, the ocean continues to inspire me.
My love for travel has taken me to many incredible places, each offering its own unique experiences. While I was originally drawn to destinations with great surf, over time my travels have expanded to include a wide range of locations rich in culture and natural beauty. I’ve also always held a deep respect for connecting with wildlife in their natural environments. Some of my most memorable experiences include surfing with dolphins, swimming with sea turtles and free diving with whale sharks; observing koala bears; and sharing the jungle alongside monkeys while I was living in Costa Rica for a few years.
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When I’m not in or near the water, I find a sense of peace in the mountains—whether hiking, snowboarding, or simply being in nature.
Photography—capturing surf, wildlife, or landscapes—helps me unwind and stay connected to my surroundings.
I’m naturally curious and often find myself diving into a wide range of topics, both practical and purely for interest.
Animal rights and environmental advocacy are also deeply important to me, offering me a sense of purpose.
Meet Mr. Styles
Along with all my outdoor adventures and travels, I’m rarely without my loyal companion. Mr. Styles, is the newest member of my family and a therapist-in-training (though he’s still working on his certification). He’s a rescued chi-mix with a heart full of love and an expert in snuggles.
While he’s still perfecting his therapeutic skills, his cuteness is already providing plenty of emotional support during my virtual sessions. When he’s not napping on the job, he's sure to bring a smile or a chuckle to anyone he meets.
Therapeutic Approaches & Style
"At the heart of my approach is the belief that sometimes what’s needed most in a therapeutic relationship is simply a space where you feel truly heard and supported."
Alongside evidence-based models, I offer relational, supportive counselling, because at times, the most important thing is having someone who can be fully present, listen without judgment, and offer guidance from a place of genuine care and connection.
My therapeutic approach is integrative, holistic, and collaborative, rooted in a strength-based perspective. I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities and incorporate insights from neuroscience and trauma-informed care, allowing for better understanding of how the brain and body respond to stress, trauma, and change.
I would describe my style as:...
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Authentic
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Approachable
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Empowering
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Down-to-Earth
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Compassionate
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Straightforward
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Practical
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Warm
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Non-Pathologizing
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Insightful
"I practice and encourage the use of acceptance, humour, and humility throughout the therapeutic process."
Learn more about my Approaches & Modalities I utilize.
Some Key Qualifications and Training
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BC Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) 2007, BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC)
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Master of Education in Counselling Psychology, University of Victoria
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Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care, University of Victoria
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Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Anxiety (Beck Institute)
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Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Certificate (CPT Training Institute)
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Treating the Psychological Impact of Infertility (NICABM)
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The Impact of Perimenopause and Menopause on Mental Health (OCD Training School)
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Pain Reprocessing Therapy and the Neuroscience of Pain Reversal (NICABM)
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Mind, Mood, & Menopause: Understanding Hormonal Transitions in Mental Health Care (Clearly Clinical)
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CBT for Eating Disorder Recovery (Udemy)
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Certified Somatic Mind-Body Healing Practitioner (Udemy)
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Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (Canadian Centre for Mindfulness)
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Not Just the Blues: Perinatal Depression and Anxiety (UBC)
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Neuroscience of Addiction and Recovery (Udemy)
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Alcohol Use: Screening, Determining Risk, and Evidence-Based Treatment (UBC)
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Addiction Care and Treatment Certificate (UBC)
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Anti-Racism, Cultural Safety and Humility Training (FNHA)
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ASIST - Suicide Prevention/Intervention Training (Crisis Centre BC)
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PHSA Indigenous Cultural Competency (Provincial Health Services Authority)
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Clinical Applications of Motivational Strategies (Center for Addictions Studies)
